Monster House is out and it has been released to the largest number of digital 3D screens yet . . . here . . . film companies need a strong way to get folks back in the theatres as home theatre systems, DVD, internet share sites, and the like all cut into movie going for the public . . . so, just as the same thing has happened before when radio then television cut into theatre tickets, filmmakers are turning to 3D, this time it’s actually looking like it may catch on . . .

The debut on Friday of Steven Spielberg’s animated thriller "Monster House" is part of an explosion of 3D films that Hollywood studios and exhibitors hope will bring people back to the movies, reports Reuters. . . . The Columbia Pictures film will debut on the largest number of digital 3D-equipped screens ever, in a nod to the unexpectedly robust results shown last fall by the Walt Disney Co’s 3D release of "Chicken Little." . . . "This industry is crying out, ‘Make it special,’" said Chuck Viane, Disney’s head of distribution and a proponent of 3D cinema. "3D is the greatest delineation between us and home entertainment." . . . Several other 3D films are slated for release this year, including "The Ant Bully" from Warner Bros on July 28 on Imax 3D, Sony Pictures’ "Open Season" and Disney’s rerelease of "The Nightmare Before Christmas" in 3D in October.

Unfortunately, those of us in Taiwan are not reaping this harvest of bountiful 3D.  Digital 3D systems have not been installed here so the 3D revolution in the US just ain’t happening here.  Ticks me off as I read how much folks loved Chicken Little and the rest in the new system and while we enjoyed it in 2D, we really would have loved it in 3D.  We do have an IMAX here that shows 3D films but those are not the same set as the ones being touted . . . as Spielberg, Lucas, and friends push for the Digital 3D system which is still a competitor for IMAX and both sets have exclusive films the other won’t have.